A Blog about "Raising Indiana" (Hudson's little brother), Pet Adoption, Responsible Pet Ownership, and how to raise & train a happy, healthy, social dog. We're going to discuss serious topics in the animal health, training and behavioral world and have a little fun, too.

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Friday, January 6, 2012

BUYER BEWARE: There is no such thing as a certified animal behavioralist

Ginger and Opal

BUYER BEWARE: There is no such thing as a certified animal behavioralist!

Author, Cindy Ludwig

There is no such thing as a "Certified Animal Behavioralist." If someone claims to be a
behaviorist (not "behavioralist" - big telltale sign right there in the spelling), ask specifically what degree they have and what specific certification they have as well as the granting organization!

There are board-certified veterinary behaviorists (veterinarians with specialized training and

certification in behavior) and their credential is the DACVB (Diplomate of the American College

of Veterinary Behaviorists), applied animal behaviorists (CAAB) with the Animal Behavior Society (individuals with advanced degrees and professional certification) and now CCPDT

to individuals who have an advanced degree, at least 24 credit hours in behavior and additional

required coursework in psychology, counseling and statistics.

The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) certifies individuals

as a CABC (Certified Animal Behavior Consultant) with a minimum of a high school diploma

and at least 3 years and 1000 hours in animal behavior consulting plus 400 hours of education and training

The Association for the Study of Animal Behavior (ASAB) in the UK certifies animal behaviorists with advanced education and extensive clinical experience as Clinical Animal Behaviorists.

A real animal behaviorist will, I hope, know what they are - a behaviorist, not a "behavioralist." The
fact that someone purports to be a" behavioralist" suggests to me this person does not even know the correct terminology! Remember, anyone can call him or herself a "behaviorist." Check out the individual's credentials - and remember, not all certifying bodies have the same standards! Beware - there are people out there calling themselves "behaviorists"
who are giving out bad advice!